Brandon Williams named BSN National Defensive Player of the Year

Dec 05, 2012

Joplin, Mo. -- Missouri Southern senior defensive tackle Brandon Williams has been named the Division II National Defensive Player of the Year by Beyond Sports Network, the organization announced today.

Williams, 6-3/325, was recently named the Central Region Defensive Player of the Year by the sports information directors and was named the MIAA Defensive Player of the Year this year, while also being the only player on defense to be a unanimous selection.

Williams became the all-time sacks leader for the school and finished with 27 in his career at Missouri Southern. He had at least a half sack in all but three games this year and had a tackle for a loss in all but one game this year. He finished the season second on the team with 68 tackles, 31 solo, including 16.5 for a loss of 58 yards. He had 8.5 sacks for a loss of 39 yards, two pass break ups, eight quarterback hurries, five forced fumbles and one safety on the season and finished third in the MIAA in sacks and tackles for a loss, while ranking second in forced fumbles.

In 2010, he was named an All-American by three different organizations, after leading the team with nine sacks and 17 TFL, while last year, he was a unanimous All-MIAA selection, as well as being named to multiple All-Region and All-American teams A preseason All-American this season, Williams is listed as one of the top Division II NFL Draft prospects by multiple organizations and has been named to the Senior Bowl watch list.

Williams has been a multiple All-American pick over his four years at Southern and looks to be the highest-drafted player to come out of MSSU.

2012 BSN D2 All America Team

Offensive Player of the Year: QB Zach Zulli - Shippensburg

Defensive Player of the Year: DT Brandon Williams - Missouri Southern

Special Teams Player of the Year: KR Tyron Laughinghouse - Saint Augustine's